An urban-based MPH degree program and continuing education: An innovative, theory-based model for a public health practitioner certification program

The goal of the Public Health Boot Camp (PHBC) is to provide public health training to community-based organization (CBO) HIV prevention and treatment service providers. The PHBC joins the AIDS Foundation of Chicago with the Master of Public Health (MPH) program and the Office of Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) at DePaul University. Collaborative partnership assessment illustrated a) a lack of formal public health training among HIV/AIDS CBO leaders and b) local surveillance data demonstrating major disparities among those living with HIV/AIDS. The PHBC provides CBO leaders with public health knowledge/skills to address disparities in HIV infection rates in Chicago and assist to facilitate sustainable community action.

The PHBC is designed for mid-level CBO professionals who lack graduate public health training and who hold at least 2-years HIV/AIDS experience. PHBC is a week-long residential education program rooted in the core areas of public health, theories of adult education, and critical pedagogy. Participants join in a variety of small group learning activities & engage in day/evening group discussions with fellow participants and faculty members who all live in residence together.

Since the annual program started, five (5) PHBC cycles have been completed, graduating 54 scholars. Group size has varied from 10-14 participants. Daily evaluation forms focus on PHBC content, applicability, format, and structure. Results demonstrate high degrees of program acceptability and applicability to participants' CBO activities. An outcome evaluation, rooted in Kirkpatrick's (1994) four-tiered training model, is currently underway to assess participant's long-term learning outcomes, enhanced leadership abilities and professional growth.